From: Carolyn [Carolyn@cedargraphics.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 2:51 PM
To: Suzy Graham (E-mail)
Subject: Apache

My husband & I first learned about Shiloh's a few years ago and agreed that was the dog we wanted. When the time finally came, after hours on the phone, I found Tantara Shiloh Shepards. The puppies were only a few weeks old so I had to wait. I had registered pups in the past, never a contract, and this was my first Shiloh. Everything in the contract was with the best interest of the puppy/dog in mind, things I would have abided by anyway so I signed them, sent them back & waited patiently. I told Suzy Graham about taking my new dog in the trails with my horse & she said she would pick a pup for me. I never got a puppy that way, I always picked & I wasn't thrilled about this, but I wanted that puppy no matter what.
The day finally came, we took Apache home, but it didn't end there. We were invited to join a yahoo group with the other Shiloh people & Apache's siblings. That was the best, it had been almost 10 years since I raised a puppy so I was a bit rusty. To be able to watch the other pups grow and exchange stories & pictures or get answers to any thing that came up was the best experience I could have asked for. Apache has grown to be an absolutely wonderful boy, we never told him he was a dog. He is very intelligent, has a true understanding of commands and words, we've even resorted to spelling if we don't want him to hear something. He's always ready to go along with whatever program I have out on the trails with the horse, the bicycle, a walk or just lounging around the house on a rainy day. He is very affectionate he loves to snuggle his face into your body. He is very serious, sensitive, proud and then comical when it comes to play time. Gentle as a lamb, then tuff as a bear.
So thank you dear Suzy for picking Apache for me, for being there every time I had a question, for still caring about him 3 years later, long after we drove away that afternoon.
Thank you again from my heart,
Carolyn Leroy

Beau (Tantara Beau's Blue Water) is the most incredible dog I have ever owned. I have a lot of dog experience, and still have to say that Beau is an absolute treasure. Earlier this year he went from being a third dog to being a first and only dog and has made the transition in a smooth and elegant manner. He accepts total responsibility for his house and his family (including a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old). He is loving and gentle, and still very much a puppy!

Dealing with Suzy at Tantara has also been incredible. I asked a lot of questions during Beau's first year, and now that we have settled down, I am not as needing of instruction and guidance. But I know that all I have to do is call or write, and Suzy gets back to me quickly with whatever information I need. I feel that I have an extended family with all the owners of Beau's litter, and have only to reach out on the chat group to stay in touch with everyone.

Owning a dog that stops traffic with its size and good looks is a big responsibility, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. Beau requires a lot of brushing and exercise and needs to perform his jobs (patrolling the yard and the house among them) many times during the day. I made a commitment to school and training and the payoff has been well worth the effort.

I guess the most important advice I would give anyone considering a Shiloh is that you are in reality getting another family member. If you just want a dog that will live outside, don't get one of these. In the same vein, if you are not an experienced dog owner, a Shiloh may be too much dog. You need a firm, secure hand and the ability to not be afraid of an animal that may be bigger than you are.